This would be a way to deploy solar power collectors without disrupting remote and pristine public lands-
It also seems to me that a way to use the electricity to power a new generation of vehicle might also be possible.
Idaho man gets federal money to develop his idea of putting solar panels in highways. By Rocky Barker. Idaho Statesman.
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Ralph Maughan
Dr. Ralph Maughan is professor emeritus of political science at Idaho State University with specialties in natural resource politics, public opinion, interest groups, political parties, voting and elections. Aside from academic publications, he is author or co-author of three hiking/backpacking guides, and he is past President of the Western Watersheds Project.
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Sounds like a plan. Though, its still in experimental testing. But, are they actually building solar panels into the road? With vehicles running over them?
That’s the way I read it, but I like the way this guy is thinking outside the box. Has anyone thought about putting solar panels above the interstates? Maybe we could put a continous roof over the highways made of solar panels. Not only would it generate power, but it would cut down on snowplowing costs buy reducing the amount of snow on the roadways as well as provide shade in the summer. Of course they would need to have open sides, no tunnel effect, so we could see Idaho’s magnificant scenery.